Food Allergy

A food allergy causes your body to have a strange reaction after you eat or drink certain foods or drinks. Allergic reactions can cause puffiness (swelling) and itchy, red rashes and hives. Sometimes you will throw up (vomit) or have watery poop (diarrhea). Severe allergic reactions can be life-threatening. These reactions can make it hard to breathe or swallow.

HOME CARE

If you do not know what caused your allergic reaction:

Write down the foods and drinks you had before the reaction.

Write down any problems you had.

Stop eating or drinking things that cause you to have a reaction.

If you have hives or a rash:

Take medicine as told by your doctor.

Place cold cloths on your skin.

Take baths in cool water.

Do not take hot baths or showers.

If you are severely allergic:

Wear a medical bracelet or necklace that lists your allergy.

Carry your allergy kit or medicine shot to treat severe allergic reactions with you. These can save your life.

Carry backup medicine shots. You can have a delayed reaction after the medicine from your first shot wears off. This can be just as serious as the first reaction.

Do not drive until medicine from your shot has worn off, unless your doctor says it is okay.

GET HELP RIGHT AWAY IF:

You have trouble breathing or you are wheezing.

You have a tight feeling in your chest or throat.

You have puffiness around your mouth.

You have hives, puffiness, or itching all over your body.

You think you are having an allergic reaction. Problems usually start within 30 minutes after eating a food you are allergic to.